Nadal on Djokovic: Australian Open will be great "with or without" the world No.1

Is Novak Djokovic playing or not playing the Australian Open? Will he be deported or not? The world No.1's story continues to unfold and it's been an overwhelming distraction with all the back and forth to say the least. Most recently, Djokovic is back at the immigration detention center after Immigration Minister Alex Hawke blocked his visa on Friday. The Serbian will challenge his deportation on Sunday.

But what does the first major of the season look like without the nine-time Australian Open champ? According to Rafael Nadal it will be great either way.

"I tell you one thing, it's very clear that Novak Djokovic is one of the best players in history without a doubt, but there is no one player that's more important than an event," Nadal told press. "The players stay and then goes and other players are coming, no?

"No one, even Roger (Federer), Novak, myself, Björn Borg was amazing at his time and tennis keeps going. Australian Open is much more important than any player. So, if he's playing finally...ok. If he's not playing, Australian Open will be a great Australian Open with or without him. That's my point of view."

Humble and firm sum up Nadal's thoughts on the on-going Djokovic situation. Currently, Nadal, Federer and Djokovic are all tied at 20 Grand Slam titles and much is at stake Down Under.

According to Grand Slam regulations, if Djokovic were to pull out of the event before Day 1's order of play is announced, No.5 seed Andrey Rublev would take his spot in the draw. If he withdraws after the OOP, a lucky loser will replace him. But just like Nadal said, with so many top players ready to fight for the coveted trophy, it will undoubtably be a special couple of weeks Down Under.